We’re ALL going to DC
May 3rd, 2008 by Bethany
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When my mother found out Maggie and I were going to be at our “family reunion” in DC, she said she wanted to pay to bring Degen and Colin. So she bought them tickets and we’re all going to Washington, DC, for the graduation. Yay!
The catch is that Colin can’t come as early as I or stay as long, so I’ll be flying alone with two toddlers. I must be crazy, but I’m kind of looking forward to the challenge. I can barely get them across a parking lot together by myself, and yet I’m planning to take them across two airports, a country, and a city. Hah! Oh, and I’ll be taking a stroller, two car seats, diaper bag/purse, and a bag. Colin will be bringing the rest of our luggage when he flies in, because I just can’t handle more stuff myself.
Plus, my flight with the kids (each way) leaves at 6am. That puts us waking up around 2:30 in the morning on our way back to Little Rock, since we’ll have to be at the airport at 4am for check in and security, give an hour to drive there from the hotel, and half an hour to get everyone up and going. What in the world am I going to do about food? That diaper bag will have to be full of blankies, graham crackers, pb&j sandwiches, and whatever else I can think of to feed the kiddos. Any suggestions for surviviing this adventure?
People might disagree with me, but I say don’t bring tons of activities. It loads you down and you usually don’t get through everything. PORTABLE DVD PLAYER IS YOUR FRIEND…
And is there anyone THERE who has a carseat, pack and play, etc? Because if so, it is SOOO much easier to fly without those things. We are going home in a few weeks to visit and have found people to borrow those things from, so we can travel much lighter.
But girl, flying alone, 2 kids, those times?? YOU ARE INSANE! And if you don’t think so yet, just wait till you get back!
jk!!
Beth: Try to remember that Eve (Uncle Frank & Aunt Julianna’s youngest) is in the Baltimore area (which is where you are flying in to). With 6 boys, she might be a good possibility for car seats per Rachel’s suggestion. Excellent suggestion BTW Rachel! If you need contact info, let me know. We were hoping to get to see Eve while we were there anyway. Smooch Beth! Can’t wait to see you and the troops in DC! - AC
How exciting that you all get to go! I hope you have a good time and good luck at the airport. I am sad that you are moving, we will miss you. If you want me to take the kids for a day so you can pack, I would be more than happy to.
I agree with all the above — Simplify — If you can’t find carseats to borrow, remember they can be rented with your rental car (or whoever’s renting one). Try to take as few things as possible, and be flexible. It’s okay to scoop the kiddies up in their pj’s and then dress them during the wait at the airport….Check with the airlines and see if they have crackers/etc. for the kids for snacks so you don’t have to carry more. And have a great time! Love you, S.
When I have traveled with little ones the portable DVD player was worth its weight in gold. Not sure if that will help with the ages of your kids. I got new movies from the library so it was more appealing. I agree with the travel light advice. I found anytime I brought activities, etc. they usually sensed I was trying to distract them and it backfired. They wanted more, More, MORE. And it seemed I was always asking them to share their stuff, trying to pick it up off the floor in the plane, or balance the bag full of stuff while I carried a small child and the car seat and the stroller and and and. Telling them stories about when they were littler, when I was littler, or made up stories was a hit and didn’t require toting anything. Maggie will like chewing on the cups and stuff more anyway. In the airports my kids liked looking at the gift stores. The whole car seat thing was the hardest. It is great to buckle them in tightly on the plane, but getting the car seat to the plane and toting a 18-month-old was hard. I say splurge the $3 or whatever on the fabulous carts if you need to to get everyone to the gate.